Orient Fevre

“It’s the only alternative until we can bring her home and have a complete engine overhaul.” Mac turned to Captain Hawk. “You should take my advice into consideration, sir.”

“Have you consulted with our engineers in Headquarters about this procedure?”

Mac spread his arms theatrically. “You can read their recommendation on my report, sir.”

Captain Hawk pondered.

I had a bad feeling about this. I didn’t know why, I just did. And what my guts told me was always right.

“Fine,” Captain Hawk decided.

I groaned inwardly.

“Have Cross look at your report and arrange what you need to keep us flying to D’Keghan.”

“I also require grounding continuance, sir. The cryofuel needs to be ordered and loaded into Orient Fevre. This alone would take at least six to ten standard hours.”

“Granted.”

Mac shot me a triumphant look and stalked away after Captain Hawk gave him permission.

My captain turned to me. “What’s your problem?”

I rose from my seat. “Levy Frye al’Tarakh.”

Captain Hawk tapped his pen on his writing pad and drew a long breath. “Him.”

“That asshole doesn’t need round-the-clock protection and I don’t want to move into his stateroom.”

“I see. Be frank with me, Cross. Did you marry him last night?”

“What?” My mouth opened and closed. “How did you know, sir?”

Captain Hawk gave me a chastised look.

“It was an accident.” Boy, that was lame.

“You should know better than to mess with the Draconians.”

“That marriage is bogus.”

“Sadly, it ’s not.”

“I must disagree.”

“Cross!”

I jumped. “Sorry, sir.”

“I had a meeting with Prince al’Tarakh and his counsellors earlier. They convinced me that you are now the newest member of al’Tarakh first family and you should be relinquished from all your duties on Orient Fevre once we reach D’Keghan.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You can’t be serious. With all due respect, sir.”

“I have to give you an indefinite leave until you solve this problem with your husband. Blue will take your position as the Chief Mate once she returns.”

“He’s not my husband!”

Captain Hawk looked as if he wanted to grin, but covered it with a frown instead.